The construction sector is witnessing increased attention on green skills and quality standards as leaders emphasise the need for clearer career pathways to advance sustainability goals. Addressing the shortage of skilled professionals is regarded as vital for widescale adoption of sustainable building design, life cycle cost optimisation, and whole life carbon assessment in modern projects. Training in sustainable construction and eco-design for buildings is being prioritised to help overcome barriers that impede environmental sustainability in construction.
Electric vehicle uptake is accelerating, with around 20 per cent of new registrations now being EVs. This trend supports efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of construction, especially regarding logistics and supply chains. Yet, the industry risks falling short of zero-emission vehicle goals, underscoring the ongoing importance of policy incentives and investment in infrastructure to help decarbonise the built environment and support the net zero whole life carbon transition.
Recent political changes in the UK create uncertainty for construction policies connected to climate commitments. The rise of parties questioning the 2050 net zero carbon target adds volatility for construction companies planning long-term investment in net zero carbon buildings, sustainable building practices, and low carbon construction materials. Continuous policy monitoring and flexible strategies remain essential for stakeholders aiming to deliver sustainable urban development.
Major companies around the globe are amplifying investment in circular economy initiatives, renewable building materials, and green building products. Innovative advancements in embodied carbon reduction, resource efficiency in construction, and sustainable material specification are reaching new milestones. These developments will enable a greater adoption of low embodied carbon materials and eco-friendly construction products for buildings and green infrastructure projects worldwide.
There is notable momentum in sustainable financing, with new investments supporting clean energy manufacturing and renewable technologies. This financial support offers greater opportunities for energy-efficient buildings, lifecycle assessment adoption, and the expansion of circular economy in construction. Increased access to capital will further promote carbon footprint reduction and accelerate the sector’s progress towards carbon neutral construction and net zero whole life carbon performance on a global scale.
